With EPMD currently working on Dynamic Duos—a concept album that will feature rap duos like Capone-N-Noreag, Mobb Deep (Rest in Peace, P), Black Star, and others—Erick Sermon is also putting the final touches on an album of his own.
Taking to Kickstarter, the Green-Eyed Bandit announced his eighth solo album, GO, and is asking fans to help with the final steps (samples, engineering, marketing, etc).
“My success for this album would be for people to like what they’re hearing,” Sermon says. “Having the Kickstarter means the people are actually gonna have this record and buy it and listen to it. That’s all an artist really wants: someone who checks out the product and enjoys what they’re listening to without all the politics of having to cut 10 singles or pay for radio. I really hope that fans will feel that the album has great music and a great sound. The most important thing is the conversation. Hip hop records gave you a conversation and made you aware of what’s happening in the world at this present moment.”
On top of the announcement, Sermon also shared the first single, “Come Thru” with Method Man, Mr. Cheeks and Craig Mack.
“I want to bring the balance back to rap music and make songs that are not just about sex, drugs and money, and to give real music a chance,” Sermon told Rolling Stone. “I want people to look at other creativity other then the same-old same-old and ask when are we gonna take the left turn and realize what J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar had done to make a balance in this rap game.”
Check it out below and head to Kickstarter to support the album; which will include contributions from Redman, Ghostface Killah, Pharrell and Big K.R.I.T. (on a song called “Southern Girl,” which was inspired by Sermon’s mother), Styles P, Too $hort, and more.
